Essays in Ephesians #12
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called the “uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—remember that you were at that […]
Essays in Ephesians #6
It’s not always easy to see Jesus. That’s why Paul asked God to give believers a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.Jesus Himself said,I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted Him by the Father. (John 6:65) Even His disciples were blind to his identity. His revelation was progressive. Despite all the miracles revealing . . .
Knowing God through His Word — Part 20
Words about Jesus bounce off many people. I’ve a friend who seems deaf to my kind of faith in God. She is a “good” person—moral, honest and caring. She truly does her best. She is confident of her place with God;. But I’m not as confident. Hoping I don’t judge, I continue to wonder . . .
Knowing God through His Word — Part 19
I grew up in churches where the congregation repeatedly sang the haunting hymn, Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, . . . I loved the melody and the friendly thought of Jesus calling me to come, but I didn’t understand it. In the depths of my spirit, I always sensed that He was calling us into His arms of love. But on more practical, concrete levels. . .
Knowing God through His Word — Part 18
When prayers go unanswered, asking “Why?” may bring insight, but more often it erodes peace and disrupts abiding in God’s love. Most believers already know all the pat religious reasons why God doesn’t give us what we pray for. Usually, the first is doubt . . .
Gleanings — 9
Here are more gleanings from the prayers for my children with more echoes of our Heavenly Father’s heart for His own. “Father, please give my children and grandchildren a revelation of Your love. Let it be a full revelation, a many faceted revelation. “Open their eyes to see Your love in the small details of nature—a squirrel making fresh tracks upon the snow…
Gleanings — 4
The Holy Spirit drew near and used today’s Gleanings on worship to search my heart. May He visit you as well. Worship is elusive. God demands worship;
Knowing God through His Word — Part 17
I once heard that humility is the perfume of a rose when it is stepped on. I like that, but I’m no rose. I’ve been known to squeal when stepped on. So, I seek humility. According to the Bible, humility is a vital for Christians. All God’s trusted friends and servants, all who do His exploits, are humble.
Knowing God through His Word — Part 14
Belief is the key to Jesus heart. If you are seeking to know if Jesus is real or if you don’t believe and want to, then you can honestly inquire with words as simple as, “If you are real, Lord, show me. Help me to believe.”
If you kind-of sort-of believe, but are hindered by doubts, simply ask Him, “Lord, take my unbelief.”
Knowing God through His Word — Part 11
This essay is about hearing from God. While writing it I felt like a grandma eager to pass on insights and experience.
Human language alone cannot communicate the glorious depths and riches of God’s Word. The Holy Bible is a wild book: its record of how the Holy Spirit has progressively revealed God and His plan is full of adventure, drama and surprise. It is as full of life today as when it was written. But only the author Himself, the indwelling Holy Spirit, can open it up to readers.
Knowing God through His Word — Part 9
Do unwanted thoughts pester you, like unwelcome visitors inside your head? At times they bother me. The other night I was channel flipping and stopped at what looked like a fascinating human-interest movie. Before the plot unexpectedly turned macabre, I was hooked into the fine acting and complex characters. As it became darker and more violent, I changed the channel, but not soon enough. Falling asleep that night, my thoughts became nightmarish. Half asleep, I began drifting into ugly lies. As soon as I whispered, “Lord?” familiar scriptures filtered light into my mind—
Knowing God through His Word — Part 8
Making Scripture a priority in our lives is not a helter-skelter decision to be made hastily, it is a major decision or life choice that aligns us with divine order. God is orderly; His universe is purposeful. According to 1 Corinthians 14:33 God is not the author of confusion but of peace.
